Associated Press

COLUMBUS — Ohio State had a lot to play for in 2012: Making people forget a year of NCAA investigations and innuendo, rebounding from the worst season in more than a century, and living up to the expectations of a new coaching staff.

They more than succeeded with a stunning 12-0 turnaround.

Unlike those Buckeyes, however, this year’s team can compete for a Big Ten championship and a national title. A postseason ban no longer is in force for crimes and misdemeanors committed under the regime of deposed coach Jim Tressel.

The first step is today’s game against Buffalo, a rebuilding team hoping to make a good showing as the second-ranked Buckeyes are aiming to serve notice they’re a worthy contender to break the Southeastern Conference’s seven-year stranglehold on No. 1.

“Coach (Urban) Meyer came in here and he went 12-0,” safety C.J. Barnett said.

“Last year, we had a chip on our shoulder. We were kind of hunting, but now we’re the hunted. We’ve got the target on our backs. It’s tougher when everybody’s gunning at you.”

Here are some things to watch in the opener for both teams:

Hype or hope?

Braxton Miller embarks on his Heisman Trophy campaign with a better handle on the offense and better mechanics when he steps into the pocket. His receivers are improved compared with the 2012 squad. Plus, he has more options in terms of playmakers.

Buffalo coach Jeff Quinn said, if he could, he would vote for Miller.

“Braxton, to me, is definitely a worthy candidate,” he said.

Meyer said Miller will run less and throw more, which will keep him healthier and stronger for the stretch run.

Bullish on LB

The Bulls’ Khalil Mack is not just one of the best linebackers in his conference, but in the country. He’s so good he’s expected to be among the top couple of players at his position in the NFL draft in the spring.

That same day, Bowling Green had Ohio State on the ropes at Ohio Stadium but ended up falling 24-17 in the closest call for a Buckeyes team against an in-state rival since 1921.

Youth is served

Ohio State’s offense is composed of grizzled veterans. But the defense? Not so much. Only two seniors will start on that side of the ball: Barnett and Christian Bryant at safety.

Most eyes will be on whether ends Noah Spence and Adolphus Washington can get to Bulls quarterback Joe Licata, and whether sophomore Joshua Perry and former five-star recruit Curtis Grant can carry the load at LB.

Also, the Buckeyes will have a freshman handling the punting: 21-year-old Aussie Cameron Johnston.

Oliver!

Buffalo RB Branden Oliver gained 821 yards in 2012 despite missing five games and parts of four others.

If he has success, that’s not a good omen for a rebuilt Ohio State defense with eight new starters.

If Oliver finds himself hemmed in a lot, then the Buckeyes will have taken a first step toward being taken seriously in the national-title picture.